The stigma that surrounds disability typically revolves around physical impairments which are visible to the public. We as a society label someone as disabled when they have obvious handicap aids such as a wheel chair or prosthetics; however, by defining disabilities as something that needs to be visible we are ignoring the millions of people living with invisible disabilities. The Invisible Disability Association (a foundation aimed at raising awareness of invisible disabilities) defines invisible disability as impairing symptoms that are not always distinguishable to an onlooker. These symptoms could include excruciating pain, constant fatigue, and mental health disorders. In many cases the way a disabled person is treated depends on the visibility of their disability. The blogs “We’re not here for your inspiration”, “’But you don’t look disabled’” and “People with ‘Invisible Disabilities’ Fight for Understanding”; as well as, Ryan Kinghton’s memoir Cockeyed all explore how treatment depends on the ability of the public to see the disability.

In Ryan Knighton’s memoir, Cockeyed, he describes major events during his descent into blindness. These moments he depicts include times when he wishes to be seen as blind, in addition to times when he chooses to cover up his disability. In his experience he found it easier to pretend to be sighted if he was meeting a new person he didn’t think he would see again because he didn’t want to make them feel uncomfortable (Knighton, 112). However, he also describes instances where he relies on the others noticing his disability. For example, when at a deli shop he relies on the other customers to pay attention to him “groping for a ticket” and for the cashier to notice him displaying his white cane (Knighton, 112). This is instrumental to his ability to order his lunch. In this case it is essential that the people around observe Knighton’s blindness, so that they will adapt their interactions with him to include his disability. This display of his disability is a signal that he is in need of help. Knighton’s white cane symbolizes his invisible disability making it apparent to the public; therefore, his cane gives him control of when he is viewed as disabled. However, most other people with invisible disabilities are not able to have control over their self-representation.

Individuals with invisible disabilities face a general population who are oblivious to their different needs. In her blog post “But you don’t look disabled” Jillyana Adamson narrates an experience where she was questioned after identifying as disabled because she displayed no visible stereotypical handicap. Therefore, instead of getting the help from the public, she was confronted with more hostility. Gingold explains that “when a disability isn’t immediately obvious, others… sometimes doubt it exists and accuse those who suffer from invisible conditions of simply angling for special treatment” (Gingold, 2015). People often assume that individuals with invisible disabilities are fully abled which causes resentment towards them when they use benefits for the disabled. With this mindset in place, society perceives that those suffering from invisible disabilities would be able to overcome them if they changed their attitude (Young, 2012). The blog “People with ‘Invisible Disabilities’ Fight for Understanding” illustrates the everyday struggles of having an invisible disability. It tells the story of Carly Medocsh a successful young professional living with Crohn’s disease and  fibromyalgia, who faces challenges obtaining handicap parking tickets and accommodation in the work place from a prospective employer (Gingold, 2015).

Overall the treatment of disabled people with visible disabilities compared to those with invisible disabilities is evident in society’s responses. The public is more accepting of a visible disability because they are less sceptical; therefore, they are willing to offer more accommodation. This treatment also points to the different stigmas surrounding the disabled and how we have different expectations for those we assume to be impaired.

 

Work Cited

 

Stella Young. (2012, July 2). We’re not here for your inspiration. (Web blog). Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

 

Jillayna Adamson. (2015, January 24). ‘But you don’t look disabled…’ (Web blog). Retrieved from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jillayna-adamson/but-you-dont-look-disabled_b_6208986.html

 

Invisible Disability Association. What is an Invisible Disability? (Website article). Retrieved from https://invisibledisabilities.org/what-is-an-invisible-disability/

 

Naomi Gingold. (2015, March 8). People with ‘Invisible Disabilities’ Fight for Understanding. (Web article). Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2015/03/08/391517412/people-with-invisible-disabilities-fight-for-understanding

National Institution for Diabetes and Kidney and Digestive Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/Pages/overview.aspx

National Institution of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Retrieved from http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/

Knighton, Ryan. Cockeyed. Penguin Canada, 2006.